RUSSIA

Q.

As the Russian presidential election is scheduled in June, what does the Japanese government regard the most important policy toward Russia? What is it doing to implement that policy?

A.

The situation of Russia has become further volatile as the June presidential election approaches. Under such circumstances, we believe it is critically important to urge Russia not to retreat from maintain its reform policy. We have made this position clear to the Russian side.

Our basic policy toward Russia is to conclude a peace treaty by resolving the Northern Territories Issue thus achieving the full normalization of Japan-Russia relations, and to assist Russia's reform efforts in coordination with the international community so long as its reform policy is sustained.